Yuto noticed Joey slipping away alone, weighed down by heavy thoughts, and quietly followed.
Trailing him, he saw Joey push open the rooftop door. Yugi was already standing there, gazing out from behind the wire fence.
"Yugi, thank you," Joey's voice carried deep gratitude. "That prize money… it helped so much…"
f"You don't need to thank me, Joey."
Yugi turned, wearing a warm smile.
"We're partners. Serenity needs money for her surgery, and I happened to win that prize money. Of course I'd help."
He noticed Joey's furrowed brows and lingering gloom. "What's wrong? Was the surgery… not going well?"
Joey shook his head hard, his voice rough. "It's not the surgery… it's the money. 3 million yen… still isn't enough…"
The news stunned Yugi; joy instantly replaced by worry.
"Not enough…?" His face clouded.
Leaning against the doorframe, Yuto finally stepped out.
"Hey, you two… are you forgetting what Duelist Kingdom itself means?"
Yugi and Joey both turned to him, puzzled.
Yuto spread his hands. "It's Pegasus's international tournament. The champion's prize money has to be astronomical! If we just win, Serenity's surgery fee is covered!"
He paused, emphasizing again: "Don't forget—Industrial Illusions is hosting this. They're no less wealthy than KaibaCorp. I heard the winner might even receive company shares as a reward!"
"Prize money?! Shares?!"
Joey's head snapped up, his dimmed eyes blazing again, as if he had grabbed a lifeline.
"Yeah! How… how did I not think of that?!"
He pumped his fists, his gloom swept away, his voice strong: "As long as I win the tournament, Serenity's surgery is guaranteed!"
Seeing his best friend rekindled, Yugi smiled, nodding firmly.
"That's right, Joey! We'll work together—for Serenity, and for the title of King of Games!"
"But…"
The fire in Joey's face flickered and dimmed again.
He scratched his blond hair in frustration, his voice falling into despair. "I… I don't have any Star Chips. Pegasus only invited you two…"
Yugi's eyes never left Joey, reading every ounce of his regret and sorrow.
Without hesitation, he raised his hand and solemnly held out the Star Chip symbolizing entry.
"Joey."
His voice was gentle but resolute.
"Take it. This isn't charity—it's trust between partners! Our vow to fight side by side! We'll enter Duelist Kingdom together, and we'll fight for Serenity!"
Joey froze.
He stared at the Star Chip in Yugi's palm, glowing warmly in the setting sun. Then he looked up at Yugi's sincere, encouraging eyes.
A surge of emotion shattered the dam of despair in his heart. He sniffed hard, forcing back tears, and nodded heavily.
He stretched out his hand and clutched the Star Chip tightly, as though grasping the hope and future of the world itself.
"Yeah!"
Joey's voice trembled with emotion but rang with steel-like resolve.
He thrust his fist high into the darkening sky, shouting with all his might:
"Wait for me, Serenity! I'll win your surgery money! Duelist Kingdom—Joey Wheeler is coming!!!"
Watching Joey reborn, blazing with fighting spirit brighter than the sunset, Yugi and Yuto exchanged a knowing smile.
The new journey was set. Partners united, goal clear—Duelist Kingdom!
9:30 PM, Domino City Harbor.
A massive white cruise ship loomed like a sea fortress, anchored silently at the pier.
Crowds of duelists lined up with luggage, tense and excited, waiting to board.
Yuto, Yugi, and Joey joined the line, moving forward with the flow.
In the dimly lit cargo area nearby, two figures crept toward a container about to be loaded onto the ship.
Tristan, who hadn't received an invitation, and Téa, unwilling to leave Yuto behind, were trying this risky way to sneak aboard.
Soon, the trio reached the boarding gate.
"Star Chips, please," said the uniformed staff, all business.
One by one, they presented their Star Chips and passed inspection, stepping onto the luxury liner.
As the national champion, Yugi had special privileges: a private cabin.
Yuto and Joey naturally benefited, spared from the noisy bunks.
After dropping their bags, the three rushed to the deck, leaning against the railing, the salty sea breeze in their faces.
Then came the scent of strong yet elegant perfume.
A tall, striking woman with flowing golden hair approached Yuto with confident strides.
Her lips curved into a playful smile, her eyes glinting with curiosity.
"Hey, handsome~"
Her voice was lazy, sultry.
"So you're Yuto Tenshou, the one who knocked Seto Kaiba down from the clouds?"
Her eyes swept over him without hesitation, as though appraising a rare find.
Joey gawked openly. Even Yugi turned aside a little, embarrassed.
Yuto simply nodded calmly. "That's me. What do you want?"
Mai laughed lightly, wildness and challenge in her smile.
"Surprising. Taking down Kaiba's proud Blue-Eyes White Dragon… you've got skill, kid. But…"
She leaned closer, her voice low and pressing.
"The road ahead is long. Don't stumble too soon and disappoint me~"
With a toss of her golden hair, she turned away. After a few steps, she looked back over her shoulder.
"Remember this name, Yuto Tenshou. I'm Mai Valentine. We'll see who's stronger on the field, kid!"
And then she melted into the crowd.
"What's her deal?"
Joey muttered.
"Throwing down a gauntlet?"
Yuto gazed after Mai, thoughtful.
A probe? Or just meeting the newcomer who beat Kaiba?
He shook his head, pushing the thought aside, eyes returning to the vast sea.
Later, he and Yugi returned to the cabin.
They sat across the small round table, Decks in hand, making final tweaks.
"Yugi, do you have a spare Swords of Revealing Light? I feel my defenses are a little thin."
"Yeah, I've got an extra. Here."
Yugi handed him a card from his case.
Just then, the door burst open and Joey charged in, waving a few cards, face glowing with excitement.
"Look! I just traded for these on deck!"
He spread them out: [Flame Swordsman Token], [Kunai with Chain], [Baby Dragon], [Shield & Sword].
"Wow, Joey! These suit your style perfectly!" Yugi praised sincerely.
"Your Deck will be much stronger!"
Yuto glanced over, then pulled a card from his own box and handed it to Joey.
"Take this [Great Tray-class Land Battleship]. I won't be using it with my current build. It might work better for you."
Seeing that, Yugi opened his cherished golden card case and took out another card.
"Joey, add this too—[Time Wizard]!"
"It holds mysterious power. I believe it'll help you when it matters most!"
"Yuto… Yugi…"
Joey was speechless with gratitude, clutching the cards.
"Thanks! I won't let you down!"
The three finished their Decks and played a few practice rounds until night grew late and they readied for rest.
Knock knock knock.
A soft rapping at the door.
"Who is it, this late…"
Yawning, Joey shuffled over to open it.
"Eh?! You… what are you… mmphhh—!"
...
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